Ruto’s Diplomatic Move: Reaching Out to Samia Suluhu Amid Protests Yields Cheap Maize Deal
On Saturday, June 10, President William Ruto was successful in obtaining inexpensive maize. This came just a few days after the Tanzanian government, which is led by President Samia Suluhu, prevented more than 500 lorries from entering the country.
Moses Kuria, Cabinet Secretary for Trade, issued a statement saying that he had reached out to his Tanzanian counterpart to break the impasse, acting on instructions from the President.
As a result of the intervention, beginning on Saturday evening, June 10, access was granted to all lorries that had been waiting at the Namanga border.
“I had a virtual meeting with my sister counterpart from the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Ashatu Kijaji, this evening (Saturday).”
According to the statement made by CS Kuria, “On the instructions of President William Ruto and his sister President Samia Suluhu Hassan, we have agreed that all maize and other good stuff trucks that were held up in Namanga and Holili Border Posts will be granted entry starting tonight.” This decision was reached after President William Ruto and his sister President Samia Suluhu Hassan discussed the matter.
However, to head off potential conflicts in the future, the Trade CS instructed all Kenyan importers to submit their requests for export permits online.
“We would like to remind all Kenyan importers of Tanzanian food products that they must apply online for export permits to avoid any inconveniences.
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“In the spirit of East African Cooperation, our two sister countries are committed to removing any trade barriers.” His statement included part of the following phrase: “We are grateful to Presidents Ruto and Suluhu for upholding this spirit.”
The Tanzanian Government detained the lorries on Wednesday, June 7, after accusing the drivers and owners of the lorries of not having valid permits to import the grain.
During the demonstrations, the merchants, on the other hand, denied the allegations made against them and insisted that they had legitimate permits to operate their businesses.
“When we arrive in Namanga, we are typically given permits that authorize us to enter the country of Tanzania,” the guide said. We are current on all of our payments, including the Tanzanian tax.
“When we get to the border, however, the authorities prevent our lorries from going back into Kenya. According to what one of the businessmen said to the press, people back home are hungry, and they require this food.
In addition, they bemoaned the fact that they were required to pay a fee of Ksh13,915 for each day that they remained at the border.
The impasse prompted the Kenyan traders to stage a protest, during which they blocked the Namanga border and parked their lorries in such a way that they simultaneously blocked the traffic.
After encountering roadblocks at the border, they claimed that their losses were insurmountable because the Kenyan government did not step in to help.
Ruto’s Diplomatic Move: Reaching Out to Samia Suluhu Amid Protests Yields Cheap Maize Deal
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